Catching dinner doesn’t get any more hands-on than Scallop fishing. This delicacy is such a treat that you’d think that harvesting them takes great expertise – or, at the very least, professional diving gear. But, scalloping is basically foraging. All you really need is a dip net, some snorkel gear, and decent swimming skills.
You’ll find them waiting in clear, shallow waters. Unlike other mollusks, Scallops don’t bury themselves in the sand. Instead, they sit on top of the seagrass and rely on camouflage to avoid their predators. Something else that sets them apart is their ability to “swim” by clapping their upper and lower shells together. This jets them through the water (backwards) and makes them just a little bit harder to catch!
That shows that there’s more than just delicious rewards on offer when you go scalloping. And that’s why we’re here today! We’ll talk you through the ins and outs of finding these tasty treats. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to go and grab yourself a bag full of Scallops. Let’s dive in – quite literally!
How to Identify Scallops
There are many kinds of Scallops out there, but the main ones of interest to anglers are Sea Scallops and Bay Scallops. In the Northwest Atlantic, Sea Scallops can be found in deep waters from Newfoundland down to North Carolina. These Scallops are reserved for commercial fishing, so recreational anglers aren’t allowed to dive for them.
To harvest your own dinner, you should set out in search of Bay Scallops. These mollusks with deep-ribbed shells grow among grass beds from Massachusetts to Texas. You can tell them apart from other Scallops based on their dark, mottled upper shell and white lower shell. Look closely and you’ll notice scores of tiny blue eyes studding the rim of their shells, which almost seem to glow. Bay Scallops can live up to 2 years and reach 3.5 inches.
Best Scallop Fishing Spots
Due to the thinning of seagrass in many areas, Bay Scallops aren’t very abundant beyond the west coast of Florida. Oil spills and other contamination have also made them unsafe to eat in certain places. In some states, such as Texas, you can only harvest Bay Scallops in zones that are approved by the local Department of Health and Safety. This makes Florida’s Gulf Coast the go-to destination for scalloping, where the species still thrives in some coastal towns.
Crystal River and Homosassa, FL
No legitimate scalloping guide is going to overlook Crystal River! Many say this town offers the best Scallop fishing in Florida. That’s probably true, but we think it also has something to do with its appeal beyond fishing and scalloping. Families will enjoy strolling through the historic downtown, as well as frequent manatee sightings. And, of course, there’s no shortage of Scallop fishing charters.
Just a stone’s throw from Crystal River is Homosassa. This quaint fishing town on Florida’s big bend is another go-to scalloping destination thanks to its lush seagrass and clear coastal waters.
The Bay Scallop season, along with size and bag limits vary by county in Florida. In Citrus County, where Crystal River and Homosassa are located, the season opens from July 1 through September 24. Scallopers are allowed to keep up to 2 gallons of whole Bay Scallops (i.e. in their shells), or 1 pint of shucked Bay Scallop meat. Anyone scalloping on their own needs to have a Florida fishing license but, if you’re aboard a Scallop fishing charter, you’ll be covered by the captain’s permit.
Steinhatchee, FL
About an hour and a half up the coast is Steinhatchee, where you can enjoy scalloping in an entirely different setting. While Homosassa and Crystal River give you safari vibes, Steinhatchee boasts a more refined atmosphere with its waterfront Victorian homes.
With less than 1,000 residents and oodles of historic charm, locals like to say this town is Florida’s best-kept secret. But the secret is out when it comes to scalloping! Plenty of people know this is a prime spot and the town of Keaton Beach just up the coast also offers great action.
The Scallop season in Steinhatchee and surrounding areas runs from June 15 through Labor Day. Note that there’s a lower bag limit at the start of the season (June 15–30), when scallopers may keep only 1 gallon of whole Bay Scallops or one cup of shucked meat. From July 1, the limit increases to 2 gallons of whole Scallops or 1 pint shucked.
Saint Joseph Bay, FL
You don’t have to go south of the Panhandle to enjoy great scalloping in Florida – Saint Joseph Bay boasts some of the best. Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas are the main hubs, not just for locals but also for anglers in neighboring Alabama. Being part of the “Forgotten Coast” comes with some perks, including pristine nature, secluded beaches, and a healthy habitat for Scallops.
The season in St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County opens on August 16 and runs through September 24. The personal bag limit is 2 gallons of whole Bay Scallops or 1 pint of Scallop meat.
Nantucket, MA
Wait a minute, a Scalloping spot outside of Florida? Yes, that’s right. Contrary to popular belief, Florida is not the only state to offer recreational Scallop fishing. Some would even argue that Florida doesn’t have the best Bay Scallops!
Every fall, the Nantucket Scallop season opens in October 1, and the very first month is reserved exclusively for recreational use. This activity has locals flocking to the shores of the Nantucket Sound for the chance to bring home a bushel of fresh Bay Scallops. The most popular harbors are Madaket and Monomoy, where you can comb the beaches and shallows on foot. With a boat, you can access the rich grass beds near Cotue.
Recreational scalloping in Nantucket is open from Wednesday through Sunday beginning October 1 until March 31. Anyone aged 14 and above needs to purchase a recreational shellfish permit. You can purchase your permit and check the latest Massachusetts shellfishing regulations online.
How to Fish for Scallops
Bay Scallops live in water anywhere from 3–30 feet deep, making them accessible to just about anyone. Even anglers who aren’t confident in their swimming skills can harvest these mollusks in some areas, by wading or combing the beach.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is the most popular way to catch Scallops. A local guide will know the hot spots for them or you might be able to scout some out on your own by studying satellite images of the area.
Look for thick seagrass and anchor up where it gives way to surrounding sand, since this is where it will be easiest to spot the Scallops. Whoever is driving the boat should anchor up, display the dive flag, and then give your party the go-ahead to dawn their snorkels and dive in. You’ll usually dive for them in water that’s 4–8 feet deep.
Once you spot a Scallop, there’s not much to it but to reach out with your hand. Have your wits about you, though! If your fingers get pinched between the clapping shells of a Scallop, it will hurt. Be prepared to kick, kick, kick as your prey propels itself away. Carrying a small dip net will help you to scoop them off the seafloor or catch them mid-propulsion without risking your fingers.
With a mesh bag full of Scallops, it’s time to head back to the boat. There should be a livewell or well-iced cooler on board for you to store your catch. Be sure to pop the Scallops in right away so they don’t spoil! Pure freshwater kills them, so take care to protect them from any melted ice by placing a damp towel between the ice and your catch.
Dipping
Not a strong swimmer? You may still have a good chance of catching Scallops if you comb the beach at the right time. You’ll want to put on some waders and head out at low tide with a specialized Scallop net that has a long handle and a “hood” attached to it.
The so-called hood is a plexiglass window that allows you to peer underwater without diving in, so you can spot the Scallops and scoop them up. Nets like this are longer than average, allowing you to keep them submerged as you forage so your catch stays fresh. You can pick up dozens of Scallops this way before having to transfer your haul to a bag or cooler. Tread through the seagrass slowly and wade in as deep as you’re comfortable going.
Scavenging
In some cases, you may not have to dip your toes at all. Large waves, like those during a storm, can lift Scallops right out of the seagrass and dump them on shore. When this happens, simply grab a bucket and comb the beach for them.
You’ll want to head out early in the morning, before the seagulls beat you to it, and scour around any large clumps of washed-up seagrass. It’s easiest to do this at low tide but that’s not a hard and fast rule to follow. Remember that conditions for scavenging are usually only right after a fairly intense storm has passed over the area, often in late fall or winter. You’re most likely to collect Scallops this way around the Nantucket Sound.
Dredging
If you rent or own a boat, you might be able to fish for Scallops using a small, recreational dredge. These contraptions work just like commercial dredges: a metal mesh on a chain drags along the seafloor, pulling a net behind it. Scallops instinctively clamp down on the mesh as it passes over them, and when they fall off they’re scooped up by the net. This method is only worthwhile if your boat has an electric winch to help you lift the dredge in and out of the water every time you go to check it.
Local regulations often allow this technique for recreational shellfishing, but it’s always good to double-check beforehand. Recreational dredges aren’t always easy to find. Your local tackle shop may carry one, or you can look up how to build your own.
Scallop Fishing Gear
When you hire a Scallop fishing charter, there’s usually some gear already on the boat. However, you may want to bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins to ensure a proper fit. If you plan to do so, check with the charter captain ahead of time and make sure that’s okay. They’ll let you know if there’s anything else you should bring.
Also, be sure to ask whether they’ll shuck your Scallops for you or if there’s a place back at the dock where you can pay to have it done. This is a task best left to the professionals!
When packing for a Scalloping trip on your own, consider bringing:
- A swimsuit or wetsuit (or waders if you’re dipping)
- Snorkel gear and fins (if you’re scavenging instead of diving, you might want to bring water shoes)
- A mesh bag, bucket, or dip net to collect your catch
- Gloves – if you’re worried about getting pinched or scraping your fingers against rocks on the seafloor
- Sun protection – this should always include environmentally safe sunscreen, as well as sunglasses and a hat if you’re wading
- A cooler full of ice to keep your Scallops fresh
Any boat you use for scalloping should be supplied with enough life jackets for everyone on board, a flotation ring, an air horn or whistle, and flares. When people in your party are snorkeling, you should display a divers-down flag or similar safety warning device so that nearby boaters know there are people in the water.
When to Fish for Scallops
Scallops stick around all year and may be harvested commercially year-round, depending on the area. Recreational scalloping is seasonal to protect the species. Early in the season, Scallops are small but plentiful. It may be harder to find them when you go late in the season but they’ll be bigger and easier to clean. Exactly when you can pluck these mollusks from the seagrass varies by area:
In Florida, Bay Scallops are regulated at the county level. Usually, the season opens in summer and closes in mid-fall. Depending on the weather, your guide may postpone your trip in order to dodge summer storms before diving in. In Nantucket, the season is typically open from October through March.
Scallops: A Scavenger’s Delicacy
Seafood enthusiasts look forward to fall each year, when Bay Scallops finally make their way back on the menu. They’re arguably the most delicious Scallops of all, known for their sweet taste and buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
Now you know a secret: you don’t have to pay top dollar for them. You don’t even have to wait to be seated! Whether dipping, diving, or foraging in the surf, Scallop fishing puts you first in line. You’ll get your hands a little dirty, but that makes a bowl full of these seared Shellfish taste all the sweeter.
Have you ever caught your own Scallops? Maybe you have another hotspot we didn’t mention? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
The post How to Go Scallop Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2024 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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